On the third day of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Annual Council, former General Conference Executive Secretary Dr. G. T. Ng delivered a deeply convicting devotional message that challenged church leaders to reexamine the true meaning of leadership and election within the church.
Speaking before delegates from across the division, Dr. Ng began his message titled “We Missed the Point” with a candid reflection on how church elections have often become tense, competitive, and at times, divisive. “Election in the church,” he said, “has become a nail-biting contest for the chair. The stakes are so high that even unconventional measures are invoked.” His words stirred both laughter and thoughtfulness among the listeners, as he exposed the uncomfortable reality that many leaders often view position as a prize rather than a calling.
With a tone both serious and sincere, Dr. Ng reminded everyone that God’s mission advances not because of human wisdom or status, but by His divine will and grace. “God will finish the work,” he said, “not because of us, but despite of us.” He explained that while leadership is a sacred responsibility, the true danger lies in becoming attached to the position itself. “People respect you because of that chair,” he said. “Without the chair, you are nothing. The chair talks to us. The chair is executive. The chair embraces you. The chair is addictive.”
Using Scripture as his foundation, Dr. Ng turned to the story of the prophet Samuel anointing David in 1 Samuel 16:1–12, emphasizing that God Himself is always involved in the selection of His leaders. Just as God rejected Saul and chose David, and just as Jesus handpicked His disciples, divine election has never been about human qualifications or popularity. It is about God’s purpose being fulfilled through willing servants.
He then shifted the focus to the heart of stewardship, urging every leader to recognize that their position is a trust, not an entitlement. Those who treat their role as ownership, he said, will find leadership a constant struggle. But those who see it as stewardship will serve with freedom and peace. Dr. Ng explained that a steward knows he is not the owner, is not defined by his title, and remains ready to be reassigned when God calls him elsewhere. Such a person leads with peace of mind, knowing that true authority does not come from a seat or title, but from submission to God’s will.
In a stirring conclusion, Dr. Ng reminded the assembly that church elections are not about personal gain, family legacy, or professional performance. “Election is not about you,” he said firmly. “It is not about your family, not about your performance. It is about the mission continuing to prosper God’s work. God is in control, even in the midst of mistakes made by His children.”
As his message drew to a close, a reflective silence filled the hall. Many delegates were visibly moved, reminded that the essence of Christian leadership is not found in power or prestige, but in faithfulness to God’s calling. Dr. Ng’s devotional left an indelible mark on the gathering, calling every leader to return to the posture of humility — to serve not for the sake of the chair, but for the sake of the mission entrusted to the Church.